Delicious Red Wine Desserts for the Ultimate Indulgence
Red wine is a fairly underrated alcohol when it comes to desserts, even though the delicious flavors and versatility lend themselves perfectly to many dishes. Here are a few of the best red wine desserts you should try.
Red Wine Chocolate Cake
While many may think there are many ways to make a classic chocolate cake even better, they would be mistaken. Similar to coffee, red wine enhances the cocoa flavor in the cake, and unlike coffee, it adds a delicious layer of fruitiness.
Add a couple of tablespoons of De Bortoli red wine to your batter, and top the cake off with a creamy ganache to create a delectable dessert that will leave you wanting way more than just one slice.
Poached Pears
Pears poached in red wine are most likely the red wine dessert that most people know. It is simple to make, incredibly tasty, and is perfect for a dinner party, after Christmas lunch, or as a quick treat on its own.
All you need to do is poach pears in red wine along with cinnamon, cloves, and orange zest until the pears are fork-tender. You can either serve them hot or cold, along with a dollop of vanilla ice cream or mascarpone.
Brownies
Similar to the chocolate cake, brownies also dramatically improve when you add a splash of red wine. These gooey delights get taken to the next level in no time, and the red wine adds a touch of sophistication that brownies typically don’t have.
You can serve them with cream or ice cream, and you can go a step further by drizzling over a sweet red wine syrup for an extra layer of indulgence.
Ice Cream
Red wine and ice cream may not seem like two things that would go together, but they pair surprisingly well, and can easily become your new favorite dessert. The recipe is even easier if you have an ice cream maker on hand.
Add a few tablespoons to a cup of red wine to a typical ice cream custard, and blend until your desired result. Once again, you can top it off with a red wine syrup, or some sprinkles. It is also the perfect accompaniment to the brownies above.
Sorbet
If red wine ice cream works, then that means red wine sorbet is also something you can make and enjoy. You can take any red wine and blend it with sugar or honey, and a dash of lemon juice to create a delicious Summertime treat.
One thing to note, like the ice cream, you aren’t cooking the red wine; therefore pay close attention to the sweetness of the dish to ensure you balance out the acidity of the red wine.
Cheesecake
Another red wine dessert that may take you by surprise is cheesecake. This fan-favorite classic can be flavored in a multitude of ways, but red wine is arguably one of the best, and the one you should try.
Similar to a strawberry cheesecake, a red wine reduction is swirled into the cheesecake before you cook or refrigerate it. The reduction will give you all the richness and floral notes you would expect, and adding a touch of sugar to the reduction will stop it from becoming too astringent.
What to Remember When Cooking with Red Wine
Now that you know a few delicious red wine desserts, here are some tips to help you along your journey when cooking with red wine.
Choose the Right Wine
This point applies to cooking with any alcohol, but also choose a red wine you would drink when cooking with it. Many people tend to go for a cheaper option when cooking as they feel like they won’t enjoy it as much, but this is a common mistake you should avoid.
While this doesn’t mean you should cook with a super-expensive wine imported from France, it does mean choosing one that you would enjoy a glass of.
Avoid Overpowering Flavors
Choose a wine that has a good combination of acidity, sweetness, and fruitiness, especially when using it in desserts. Some wines can become too acidic when reduced, and that acidity can become an unwanted, dominant flavor in your dish.
Find Balance
Always try to balance the red wine you have chosen with the dish you are making. If the dish is a bit lighter and fresher, don’t opt for a deep, rich wine. Instead, find wines that have complimentary notes and flavors to what you are making.
Reduce
When cooking with red wine, it is always best to reduce it first as this will concentrate the flavor, and get rid of the alcoholic flavor that can ruin a dish. There is no real need to do this if you are baking with the wine, but if you are using it in a sauce or something similar, it is recommended.
Always Experiment
Never forget that red wine is so much more than just alcohol; it has a deep, rich flavor with hints of fruit, florals, and spices. Because of this, it can be part of far more dishes than you may think, and experimentation is the only way you will find out what does and doesn’t work.
Jenny Kakoudakis likes to blog about interiors. She launched award-winning Seasons in Colour in 2014 and the luxury interior design blog All The Pretty Homes in 2024. When she is not chasing criminals out of the financial system (her day job), she gets creative by redecorating her own home.
